UNMC’s saliva PCR testing centers to close March 30

UNMC will close its free saliva PCR testing centers for faculty, staff and students on the Omaha campus later this month.

The last day of on-campus testing will be March 30.

The closure comes 17 months after UNMC first made testing available and is the result of fewer individuals now using the service.

“We want to thank Dr. Jana Broadhurst and UNMC’s Emerging Pathogens Laboratory team for providing the COVID-19 testing centers to the UNMC community,” UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, said. “The centers have been a valuable resource for our campus and conducted more than 1,000 tests per month, at its peak.”

On-campus testing for COVID-19 will continue to be available to students through the University Health Center (when deemed appropriate by a medical provider). Testing also is available through local clinics and doctor’s offices, pharmacies and via at home testing kits.

Dr. Broadhurst and her team developed the modified PCR saliva test, which was used to test UNMC faculty, staff and students who were not sick but wanted to be tested. UNMC began offering free testing Oct. 4, 2021, at an outdoor station near the UNMC Ice Rink, before moving into Williams Science Hall, and then, in mid-November 2022, expanding the service to the third floor between the Durham Outpatient Center and the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.

“If the situation warrants, UNMC is prepared to offer the COVID-19 saliva testing service again,” said Jane Meza, PhD, interim executive director for the Office of Health Security.

In Omaha, COVID-19 testing is available through Employee Health for symptomatic or asymptomatic faculty and staff. Students should contact UNMC Student Health at 402-559-7204.

Testing is available to patients through Nebraska Medicine; testing also is available through local clinics and doctor’s offices, pharmacies and home testing.

UNMC will continue to update its COVID-19 resources page regarding testing resources and guidance for students and employees who are exposed to or test positive for COVID-19.